By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Picture: Instagram/@jacintangobese.
Amid the public backlash, the commercial radio station Vuma FM has moved to clarify the sacking of Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma after five years with the station.
In a statement issued on Monday, Vuma FM clarified that Ngobese-Zuma was not dismissed but the station did not renew her contract.
“The recent decision made by Vuma FM not to renew Ngobese-Zuma’s contract as presenter is not a dismissal but a natural conclusion of an independent contractor’s term.
“All of our presenter contracts are subject to annual renewal at the station’s discretion, a standard practice in our industry.”
The station added that the decision formed part of internal line-up changes.
“Vuma FM made the line-up changes based on internal, annual evaluation and not influenced by any external party. We would like to thank Ngobese-Zuma for her contribution to the station and wish her well in the future.”
At the weekend, Ngobese-Zuma released a statement explaining that she received a letter about her termination. She said no reasons were given.
“It has come to my attention that a complaint was brought by an external entity or an individual, I shall not deal with the details of that complaint at this stage,” Ngobese-Zuma said.
She added that she was appreciative of the opportunity by Vuma FM’s management, and further thanked the listeners who had become friends and family.
The KZN Health Department also released a statement distancing itself from allegations circulating on social media, that it played a part in Ngobese-Zuma’s contract termination.